Mausoleum of Makhmud Pakhlavan in Khiva

Mausoleum of Makhmud Pakhlavan, Khiva

The mausoleum is in honor of the hero Pahlavon Mahmud, poet, philosopher and fighter who has become a patron saint of Khiva. Legend has it that he helped the Indian ruler and to reward him he asked what he wanted as a gift. He asked to release his fellow nationals in prison as many as could contain a cow's skin. This was accepted, but he cut it into thin pieces so as to obtain a very long belt that saved a large number.

The mausoleum dates back to 1362 but was later rebuilt in the nineteenth and in 1913 to be transformed into the khan family mausoleum. The room is Persian style with a turquoise dome that holds the tomb of the khan Mohammed Rakhim. In another room there is the tomb of Pahlavon Mahmud decorated with tiling. Outside there are graves of other khans.

The mausoleum also includes a madrasa and a minaret with elegant tiling.